Ken Johnsonís group has narrowed down their hypotheses as to what
causes variations in primary productivity in upwelling systems in Monterey
Bay triggered by natural iron fertilization events. They will test their
hypotheses using transects and ROV sampling in 2003. In addition, the
group will finalize the interpretation of the results from the very
successful Southern Ocean IronEx expedition.

The goals of this project are to extend our understanding of the role
that iron plays in regulating ecosystem structure and the impact of iron
on biogeochemical cycles and climate. In conjunction with the Chemical Sensor Program,
Johnson's group will continue to examine
sensor and sampling technologies to automate the iron monitoring program.